What's new in macOS Server

Learn about the changes included in macOS Server.

macOS Server 5.6.3 requires macOS High Sierra 10.13.4. After installing the macOS update, you can get macOS Server from the App Store. (To prevent interruption of services, new versions of Server aren't installed automatically, even when App Store preferences are set to install other updates automatically.)

During installation, you might see the message ”Server app replacement detected.” This is expected. All Server settings and data are preserved during the update, and you can use the Server app to finish setting up previously configured services after the update.

Apple no longer bundles open source services such as Calendar Server, Contacts Server, the Mail Server, DNS, DHCP, VPN Server, and Websites with macOS Server. You can get these same services directly from open source providers. For more information, learn more about changes to macOS Server. Apple continues to develop and support the other features of macOS Server, including Open Directory, Profile Manager, and Xsan management.

General

macOS Server 5.6.3 includes compatibility changes to support secure network communication with client applications in future releases of macOS and iOS.

Services

macOS Server 5.6.3 includes support for Open Directory, Profile Manager, and Xsan services.

The following services are hidden for new installations of macOS Server 5.6.3, but work normally when upgrading a previous version of Server that is configured to use these services. In the next major release of Server, these services will be removed. Learn more about changes coming to macOS Server.

Calendar

Contacts

DHCP

DNS

Mail

Messages

NetInstall

VPN

Websites

Wiki

Profile Manager

Profile Manager supports new restrictions, payloads, and commands.

For macOS High Sierra 10.13.4

Configure a delay for user notification of software updates—from 1 day to 90 days (default is 30 days)

Configure access to accessibility APIs for testing apps

Enable or disable Bluetooth

Configure permissions for kernel extensions (kexts)

Configure Content Caching

Skip the iCloud storage pane in Setup for devices in the Device Enrollment Program

For iOS 11.3

Configure a delay for user notification of software updates (supervised devices only)—from 1 day to 90 days (default is 30 days)

Use ScheduleOSUpdate to configure a version number to install a specific eligible iOS version (supervised devices only)

For tvOS 11.3

Skip the ”Where is this Apple TV?” pane in Setup for devices in the Device Enrollment Program

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